Last Updated: July 11, 2025

Welcome to Great Tools, a platform dedicated to providing free online tools and insightful blog content to enhance productivity, creativity, and efficiency. At Great Tools, we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your data when you visit our website (greattoolsweb.com), use our tools, or engage with our services, including our blog and email subscriptions powered by Grow. This policy is designed to ensure transparency and compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other relevant regulations, as we prepare to apply for Mediavine’s ad network through Grow’s first-party data solutions.

By using Great Tools, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us using the details provided below. For privacy purposes, we use a fictional name, email, and USA address, ensuring secure and confidential communication.

Who We Are

Great Tools is a website offering a suite of free online tools, such as text generators, file converters, productivity trackers, and creative utilities, alongside a blog with tips and tutorials for maximizing their use. Our mission is to empower users—students, professionals, freelancers, and hobbyists—by providing accessible, high-quality tools and resources. As we aim to join Mediavine’s ad network, we prioritize transparency, user trust, and compliance with industry standards to deliver a seamless experience.

Contact Information:
Great Tools
Attn: James Carter (fictional representative)
1234 Maple Street, Suite 100
Springfield, IL 62701
United States
Email: privacy@greattoolsweb.com
Note: The above address and email are fictional for privacy purposes but are monitored to ensure prompt responses to your inquiries.

Information We Collect

We collect information to provide, improve, and personalize your experience with Great Tools. The types of information we collect include:

1. Information You Provide Directly

  • Contact Form Submissions: When you use our contact form, you may provide your name, email address, and message content. For example, you might submit feedback about a tool or request a blog topic.
  • Email Subscriptions: If you subscribe to our newsletter via Grow’s Automailer, we collect your email address and, optionally, your name to send you updates, tool tips, and blog content.
  • Comments and Feedback: If you comment on our blog posts or provide feedback, we collect the information you share, such as your name, email, and comment content.
  • Collaboration Inquiries: If you reach out for partnerships or guest blogging, you may provide additional details like your business name or website URL.

2. Information Collected Automatically

  • Usage Data: We collect data about how you interact with our website and tools, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, device type, pages visited, and time spent on the site. This is gathered via cookies, pixels, and analytics tools.
  • Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies to enhance functionality, track usage, and support Mediavine’s ad network requirements. For example, cookies help us remember your preferences or analyze tool performance.
  • Log Data: Our servers automatically log information like your IP address, referring URLs, and timestamps to troubleshoot issues and improve site performance.
  • Grow Analytics: Through Grow’s first-party data solutions, we collect anonymized data about email open rates, click-through rates, and user engagement to optimize our newsletter campaigns.

3. Information from Third Parties

  • Social Media: If you interact with us via our social media accounts (@GreatToolsWeb on Twitter/X, @GreatToolsOfficial on Instagram), we may receive data like your username or public profile information.
  • Analytics Providers: We use third-party services like Google Analytics to collect aggregated data on site traffic and user behavior, ensuring compliance with Mediavine’s standards for authenticated traffic.
  • Mediavine Ads (Pending Approval): Once approved by Mediavine, we may collect data through their ad network to serve personalized ads, adhering to their privacy and data protection guidelines.

4. Information We Do Not Collect

We do not collect sensitive personal information, such as payment details, social security numbers, or health data, as our tools and services are free and do not require such information.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to provide, maintain, and enhance your experience with Great Tools. Specific uses include:

  • Providing Services: To deliver our free online tools, process contact form submissions, and send newsletters via Grow.
  • Improving Our Platform: To analyze usage data, fix bugs, and develop new tools or blog content based on user feedback.
  • Personalization: To tailor content, such as recommending blog posts or tools based on your interactions.
  • Communication: To respond to your inquiries, provide support, and send updates about new tools or blog posts.
  • Analytics and Performance: To track site performance, user engagement, and email campaign effectiveness using Grow and Google Analytics.
  • Advertising: Upon Mediavine approval, we may use anonymized data to serve relevant ads that align with Mediavine’s non-disruptive ad standards and the Coalition for Better Ads.
  • Compliance and Security: To ensure compliance with legal obligations, protect against fraud, and maintain the security of our website and users.

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Compliance)

For users in the European Union, we process personal data under the following legal bases:

  • Consent: When you provide explicit consent, such as subscribing to our newsletter or accepting cookies.
  • Legitimate Interests: For analytics, site improvements, and ad personalization (pending Mediavine approval), where our interests do not override your rights.
  • Contractual Necessity: To fulfill requests, such as responding to contact form submissions or providing tool support.
  • Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws, such as data protection regulations.

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share data in the following limited circumstances:

  • Service Providers: With trusted third parties, such as Grow (for email marketing), Google Analytics (for site analytics), or Mediavine (for ads, pending approval), who adhere to strict data protection standards.
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law, such as to comply with a court order or regulatory request, we may disclose data to relevant authorities.
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale, your data may be transferred to the new entity, with continued protection under this policy.
  • Aggregated Data: We may share anonymized, aggregated data (e.g., site traffic statistics) with partners like Mediavine to demonstrate compliance with their traffic requirements (e.g., 50,000 monthly sessions).

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Great Tools uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and meet Mediavine’s ad network standards. Types of cookies include:

  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for site functionality, such as maintaining user sessions.
  • Analytics Cookies: To track site performance and user behavior via Google Analytics.
  • Advertising Cookies: Upon Mediavine approval, to serve personalized ads based on your interests.
  • Functional Cookies: To remember your preferences, like language settings or tool configurations.

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie consent popup. Note that disabling cookies may limit some site features. For more details, see our Cookie Policy [link to your cookie policy page].

Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

  • Contact Form Data: Retained for 12 months or until your inquiry is resolved.
  • Email Subscriptions: Retained until you unsubscribe, with an option to opt out in every email.
  • Usage Data: Retained for up to 24 months for analytics purposes, then anonymized.
  • Cookies: Expire based on their purpose (e.g., session cookies expire when you close your browser; persistent cookies may last up to 12 months).

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights under data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA):

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request updates to inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your data, subject to legal obligations.
  • Objection: Object to processing for specific purposes, such as direct marketing.
  • Restriction: Request restricted processing in certain cases.
  • Data Portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format.
  • Opt-Out of Sale (CCPA): We do not sell personal data, but you can opt out of ad personalization (pending Mediavine approval).
  • Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent for data processing, such as unsubscribing from our newsletter.

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@greattoolsweb.com. We will respond within 30 days (or 45 days for CCPA requests, with a possible 45-day extension).

Data Security

We implement industry-standard measures to protect your data, including:

  • Encryption: Secure transmission of data via HTTPS.
  • Access Controls: Limiting data access to authorized personnel only.
  • Regular Audits: Monitoring our systems for vulnerabilities.
  • Third-Party Compliance: Ensuring partners like Grow and Mediavine adhere to strict security standards.

Despite our efforts, no online platform is 100% secure. If a data breach occurs, we will notify affected users and authorities as required by law (e.g., within 72 hours under GDPR).

International Data Transfers

Great Tools operates from the United States, and your data may be processed in the U.S. or other countries. For EU users, we ensure compliance with GDPR through Standard Contractual Clauses or other safeguards when transferring data internationally. Our fictional USA address (1234 Maple Street, Springfield, IL 62701) is used for contact purposes only and does not reflect our data processing locations.

Third-Party Links

Our website and blog may contain links to third-party sites (e.g., social media, Mediavine, or tool documentation). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before sharing personal information.

Mediavine and Grow Integration

As part of our application to Mediavine’s ad network, we use Grow’s Automailer for email marketing and first-party data collection. This helps us:

  • Build authenticated traffic to meet Mediavine’s 50,000 monthly session requirement.
  • Deliver personalized newsletters with tool updates and blog content.
  • Ensure compliance with Mediavine’s privacy and ad quality standards, such as non-disruptive ad units and Coalition for Better Ads guidelines.

Mediavine may use cookies and tracking technologies to serve relevant ads, with your consent. For more details, see Mediavine’s privacy policy [link to Mediavine’s policy, pending approval].

Children’s Privacy

Great Tools is not intended for users under 13 (or 16 in the EU). We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe we have collected such data, contact us at privacy@greattoolsweb.com, and we will delete it immediately.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or Mediavine’s guidelines. We will notify you via email or a website notice before significant changes take effect. The “Last Updated” date at the top indicates the latest version.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please reach out:
Great Tools
Attn: James Carter (fictional representative)
1234 Maple Street, Suite 100
Springfield, IL 62701
United States
Email: privacy@greattoolsweb.com
Social Media: @GreatToolsWeb (Twitter/X), @GreatToolsOfficial (Instagram)

Note: The address and email are fictional for privacy purposes but are actively monitored for prompt responses.

Additional Information for Mediavine Application

As we prepare to apply for Mediavine through Grow, we emphasize our commitment to:

  • High-Quality Content: Our blog provides valuable, original content about free online tools, driving engagement and user retention.
  • User Experience: Our website is optimized for fast load times, mobile responsiveness, and minimal ad disruption (pending Mediavine approval).
  • Data Transparency: This policy ensures users understand how their data is used, aligning with Mediavine’s and Grow’s focus on trust and compliance.

For inquiries about our Mediavine application or Grow integration, email us at privacy@greattoolsweb.com.

Final Note

At Great Tools, we’re dedicated to protecting your privacy while delivering exceptional free online tools and blog content. Thank you for trusting us with your information. We look forward to serving you and growing our community as we pursue Mediavine’s ad network.